Program Overview

MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies

The MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies (MAUS) is a programme of sustainability science and design for buildings and cities, and advanced study on modern and contemporary architecture and the continued development of cities around the world. Students from a variety of academic backgrounds work in an interdisciplinary environment with urbanists, environmental and technology specialists, architectural theorists and historians, and design practitioners.

Overview of the Programme

Students will explore a wide range of ideas, research methods, and theoretical approaches in order to undertake a critical and rigorous analysis of issues relating to both architecture and the challenges and complexities of the worlds rapidly changing cities. The course offers a flexible structure that is tailored to the needs of individual students research interests. Seminars and lectures are organised along two basic streams:

• A Theoretical Stream focusing on the socio-political and cultural context of architecture and cities with an approach rooted in the humanities and social sciences.
• A Technical and Sustainability Stream offers a more quantitative approach to architecture and urban planning (including transport, health and well-being, sustainability, and environmental design, artificial intelligence (AI), and technology for society).

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have acquired the type of research training required to carry on to the PhD, or if conceived as a standalone degree, will have acquired the research and writing skills to specialise and enhance a wide range of professional prospects. The programme positively encourages students to acquire knowledge and develop and apply research skills in the following areas:

• Sustainability and environmental design:
  • The role of environmental design in architecture and urban planning.
  • The history of environmental design and technology for society.
  • The building physics associated with environmental design.
  • Modelling of building performance.
  • Monitoring and surveying of buildings.
  • Occupant perception, health, and comfort.
  • Urban geo-spatial analysis and modelling.
  • Data science, machine learning, and AI applied to urban and architectural design.
• Socio-politics and culture of architecture and the city:
  • The role of architecture and the built environment in political, social, and cultural representation and contestation.
  • Current debates in urban studies with an emphasis on the role of informality, conflict, and post- and neo-colonialism in global urbanism.
  • Underlying theories in the humanities and social sciences that influence research on cities.
  • The modern history of urban planning in its political dimensions.
  • Qualitative visual research methodologies including mapping and site observation.
• Intellectual skills:
  • To reason critically and analytically.
  • To apply techniques and knowledge appropriately.
  • To identify and solve problems.
  • To demonstrate thought leadership.
• Research skills:
  • To identify key knowledge gaps and research questions.
  • To retrieve, assess, and identify information from a wide range of sources.
  • To plan, develop, and apply research methods.
  • To apply key techniques and analytical skills to a new context.
  • To report clearly, accurately, and eloquently on findings.
• Transferable skills:
  • To communicate concepts effectively orally and in writing.
  • To manage time and structure work.
  • To work effectively with others.
  • To work independently.
  • To retrieve information efficiently.
  • To assimilate and assess existing knowledge and ideas.

Programme Details

• Duration: 9 months full-time.
• Study Mode: Taught.
• Degree: Master of Philosophy.
• Department: Department of Architecture.

Admission and Continuation

MPhil in Architecture and Urban Studies students wishing to apply for a PhD must achieve an overall total score of at least 70 out of 100. Continuation is also subject to Faculty approval of the proposed research proposal and the availability of an appropriate supervisor. There is no automatic continuation from MPhil to PhD study; candidates are required to apply to the PhD programme formally.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: September 3, 2025.
• Application Deadline: March 5, 2026.
• Course Starts: October 1, 2026.
• Funding Deadlines:
  • Course Funding Deadline: January 7, 2026.
  • Gates Cambridge US round only: October 15, 2025.

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• Sustainability Leadership for the Built Environment (PGCert).
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• Construction Engineering (MSt).
• Energy Technologies (MPhil).
• Nuclear Energy (MPhil).